Ask the DMV: Test senior’s driving skills at the DMV’s Web site

Q: My mother is 65 years old and I am not exactly sure if she is a fit driver. Is there a test she can take online that will determine if she is still fit to drive?

A: The California Department of Motor Vehicle’s Web site dmv.ca.gov has a variety of resources for senior citizens, including a senior self-assessment. Your mother can take the self-assessment test to determine if she is able to manage her personal safety as well as the safety of others.

The test can be found by clicking on the Senior option on the home page and from there you can follow the link to Senior Driver Self-Assessment.

Q: My 15-year-old son loves to skateboard around the neighborhood, but I can never get him to wear a helmet. Is there a law that requires minors to wear a helmet skateboarding?

A: While it is a safe practice for anyone to wear a helmet while riding a skateboard or a bike, according to vehicle code 21212 any person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter or a skateboard, on any street or bike trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Also, the parent or legal guardian of the minor violating the helmet law will be liable and fined $25 for the minor’s actions. For more information on the helmet law visit dmv.ca.gov and click the Publication tab and scroll down to California Law and select the California Vehicle Code option.

George Valverde is the director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Do you have driving-related questions? The California DMV has answers at dmv.ca.gov. And now, you can submit any DMV-related questions at askdmv@dmv.ca.gov.